Teal pumpkins aim to make Halloween less scary

The Sylvester family paints their pumpkins with teal paint to signify that on Halloween they will be offering nonfood treats for those with food allergies. From left are Lexi, mom Lindsey, Carter and Brooklyn. Carter has a food allergy, prompting the Sylvesters to take this initiative.(Photo: GILLIS BENEDICT/DAILY PRESS & ARGUS)Buy Photo

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Tips for participation- Keep candy and non-food items separate for those with contact allergies- Avoid handing out non-food items that contain allergens, such as Play-Doh, which contains wheat

That was even after the 3-year-old Howell boy's mother, Lindsey Sylvester, informed them of his peanut and tree nut allergies while trick-or-treating.

"It was overwhelming," she said. "We came home and threw away all of our kids' candy."

For him, even being around the nuts can cause an allergic reaction — perhaps a deadly one. Carter's family first became aware of his allergy in summer 2013 when he was around shelled peanuts for the first time. His face swelled up and he developed hives.

"It was scary," Lindsey Sylvester said.

Halloween can be particularly frightening for parents of youngsters with food allergies. Consuming chocolate is scary for those allergic to milk. Nuts can send those prone to severe reactions into anaphylaxis — a deadly reaction. Given that eggs, soy and wheat are common allergies in children, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, finding treats without consequences can be challenging.

About 5 percent of children under 5 and 4 percent of kids 5 to 17 and about one in 13 children under age 18 have at least one food allergy, according to the organization. Almost 40 percent of the youngsters have had a severe allergic reaction after consuming a food item.

To make Halloween less scary for youngsters with allergies and parents, the Food Allergy and Research Education organization this year launched the Teal Pumpkin Project.

The campaign encourages people to raise awareness of food allergies by providing nonfood treats for trick-or-treaters and painting a pumpkin teal — the color of food allergy awareness — and to place in front of their house to indicate they have nonfood treats available, according to the organization's website.

Those participating are also encourage to print a free sign from FARE and place it in front of their home. Residents can still offer candy, but are asked to keep the two batches of treats separate, for those with contact allergies.

"It's not about taking candy out of Halloween," said Sylvester, whose family plans to participate. "It's a relief as parents to not have to worry that they're going to come in contact with something that could give him a reaction."

The Teal Pumpkin Project has gone viral on social media, with the organization's first post getting more than 48,000 shares. Families around the nation are posting photos of their children painting teal pumpkins, with #TealPumpkinProject.